Law enforcement agencies should use all reasonable means to assist in the investigation of noncompliant sex offenders, to educate the public about personal safety precautions, and to train designated law enforcement personnel on registration, notification, verification, and community education procedures. Agencies should recognize that sex offenders can pose a significant risk to the community and that community fear may be fueled by confusing sex offender laws and lack of understanding of law enforcement efforts to hold sex offenders accountable. Agencies are guided by federal and state laws regarding the registration, public notification, and verification of convicted sex offenders to enforce compliance and to prevent future victimization. Agencies should also recognizes that law enforcement agencies are responsible for notifying communities about the presence of certain registered sex offenders, maintaining registration files, verifying compliance with registration laws, investigating violations of such laws and new offenses, and locating noncompliant or absconded offenders.